Report: RB Murray declined workout with Saints

Free-agent DeMarco Murray turned down an invitation to visit the New Orleans Saints because other running backs were meeting with the team, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday.

Former Denver Broncos running back Jamaal Charles was slated to visit with the Saints on Wednesday. The team also had Tim Hightower in for a tryout during Tuesday’s minicamp while Terrance West is scheduled to make a visit this week.

“Saints reached out to RB DeMarco Murray to bring him to New Orleans for a workout today, but he preferred not to work out with a large group of RBs, per source,” Schefter posted on Twitter. “Murray still waiting for right opportunity and believes he is ready to make a significant contribution in 2018.”

Murray, who was released by the Tennessee Titans on March 8, reportedly has visited with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Murray recorded career lows for rushing yards (659) and yards per carry (3.6) despite starting 15 games in 2017. The 30-year-old was also hampered by injuries and was inactive for the Titans’ two playoff games because of a knee injury.

Murray rushed for a league-best 1,845 yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground.

A third-round draft pick of Dallas in 2011, Murray’s production dipped to 702 yards on 193 carries with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 before rebounding to churn out 1,287 yards and nine rushing touchdowns with Tennessee in 2016.

The Saints are looking for depth at running back with Mark Ingram set to begin the season by serving a four-game suspension for violating the league policy for performance-enhancing substances. The former Heisman Trophy winner will be eligible to return to the Saints’ active roster on Oct. 1.

Ingram was selected to his second Pro Bowl last season after rushing for career highs in yards (1,124) and touchdowns (12). He also caught 58 passes for 416 yards.

New Orleans has a capable replacement in electrifying Alvin Kamara, who was named the NFL Rookie of the Year last season.

Kamara rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and also amassed 81 receptions for five more scores.